WrestleMania 43 will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027, marking a significant shift from earlier plans that had the event scheduled for 2028. This decision was influenced by Saudi Arabia’s milestone 300th anniversary, making the timing deeply symbolic for the host nation. The move also involves substantial financial backing and ambitious plans for the show, highlighting the importance of this edition of the wrestling event.
Key Figures Behind the Date Change and Location Decision
The change of WrestleMania’s date and location was primarily driven by Turki Al-Sheikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. Though WWE initially intended to hold the event in Saudi Arabia in 2028, Al-Sheikh pushed for 2027 to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the founding of the First Saudi State, which is celebrated annually as Founding Day on February 22. According to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, this historical link was a crucial factor:
“WWE wanted it in 2028. They had commitments for 2027. The reason it had to be 2027… Turki (Al-Sheikh) is running the show – Ari Emanuel is the head of TKO, Nick Khan is the head of WWE, Dana White is the head of UFC, Dana White and Nick Khan are the head of TKO boxing. However, the final boss is Turki, because he’s the guy with all the money in the world at his disposal.”
—Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
Meltzer also pointed out that while the United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary of independence in 2026, Saudi Arabia sought to honor its foundational anniversary with a world-class wrestling event, effectively making WrestleMania part of a larger national celebration.
Ambitious Plans Set for WrestleMania 43 Saudi Arabia 2027
Turki Al-Sheikh’s financial influence ensures that WWE is prepared to invest heavily in this event to meet Saudi Arabia’s expectations. The event is reportedly aiming to feature high-profile matches and potentially bring back retired wrestling stars with significant name value. Meltzer suggested that the organizers are ready to offer large sums of money to attract notable talent:
“We’re talking about anyone coming out of retirement that wants to come out of retirement of big name value will be able to get a lot of money for this show. That’s what they want.”
—Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
The involvement of key figures like Ari Emanuel, Nick Khan, and Dana White under the TKO holding company umbrella reflects the broad collaboration behind the event’s planning. With these stakeholders working closely alongside Saudi Arabia’s leadership, WrestleMania 43 is positioned as a landmark occasion with potential global impact.
What Wrestling Fans Can Expect from WrestleMania 43
While specific match cards are yet to be confirmed, the event’s timing and financial backing suggest fans should anticipate a spectacle featuring both current stars and returning legends. WrestleMania 43’s Saudi Arabian venue and the milestone being celebrated add extra prestige and heightened expectations for the show’s scale and production.
Given the strong financial commitments and international interest, the event may also serve as a platform for WWE to expand its global footprint further, particularly in the Middle East region.
Significance of Hosting WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia
Staging WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia in 2027 ties the world’s biggest wrestling event to a historic anniversary, offering an intersection between sports entertainment and cultural commemoration. This move reflects WWE’s ongoing strategy to grow globally through high-profile international events and partnerships with influential backers like Turki Al-Sheikh.
The decision also underscores the increasing entanglement of sports and entertainment enterprises under large corporate umbrellas such as TKO, integrating wrestling, UFC, and boxing operations. For WWE, this dramatic date shift and venue choice mark a new chapter in its event history, promising a WrestleMania show that transcends typical match lineups to embrace broader cultural significance.
